Hybrid car description/benefits
Hybrid cars currently available
Hybrids in development, Future technologies
Hybrid car owner comments
The one consumer decision most people make which impacts the greatest on the environment is the choice of car we drive.
Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and affordable option. After years of 'on the road' development, gas-electric hybrid cars have become a practical choice for consumers.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
These gas-electric hybrid cars are now available in North America:
Saturn Aura Hybrid
Nissan Altima
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Saturn Vue Hybrid
Lexus 400h Hybrid SUV
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV
Mazda Tribute compact SUV
HYBRID CARS IN THE NEWS
4 Jan 2009 - 2010 Prius: More energic and stylish hybrid car
4 Jan 2008 - Ford Fusion hybrid car for 2010 doesn't compromise
3 Jan 2009 - New Year brings plenty of new and improved hybrids
2 Jan 2009 - Hybrid car sales plummeted in November
31 Dec 2008 - Ford hybrid emphasizes high mileage
30 Dec 2008 - Squeezing more mileage out of that hybrid car
29 Dec 2008 - NEC and Nissan join to make hybrid car batteries
29 Dec 2008 - Hybrid car technology will face competition
13 Dec 2008 - Ford Fusion hybrid is rated at 41mpg
2 Dec 2008 - Detroit execs to drive hybrid cars to DC bailout hearing
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT automatic or manual
mileage (mpg): 40 city/ 45 hwy
range per fillup: 650 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $23,550
Full climate control, Micron air filtration
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
New USB Audio Interface
Keyless Remote Entry
Dual-Stage Front and Dual Side Airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Available: Bluetooth HandsFreeLink®
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Indicator
Available: Honda Satellite Linked Navigation
110-hp, 1.3 litre SOHC i-VTEC® Engine 4-Cylinder Engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA®
Drive-By-Wire™ Throttle System
Electric Power Steering (EPS), variable-assist rack-and-pinion
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 12.3 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P185/70R14 LLR (low rolling-resistance) on 14" aluminum alloy wheels; All-Season Radials
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: 4-speed automatic
mileage (mpg): 26 city/ 34 hwy
range per fillup: 420 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,015
Automatic climate control
6 speaker radio system, audio input jack
Driver Shift Control - steering wheel shift control
Bluetooth for phone (option)
Center console with dual-bin storage
Passenger Sensing System
Dual-Stage Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags
Advanced Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 (option)
XM® Satellite Radio (option)
Theff Deterrent System
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder (164 hp [122.3 kW] @ 6400 rpm, 159 lb-ft of torque
StabiliTrak, Stability Control with traction control
Front-wheel drive. 4-speed automatic transmission
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 16.3 gallons (62 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc disc with 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: P215/55R17 touring, blackwall 17" All-Season Radials
4 door/5 seat sedan
transmission: CVT auto or 6-speed manual
mileage (mpg): 35 city/ 33 hwy
range per fillup (miles) : 840 city, 720 hwy
2008 US Base Retail Price: $26,650
Air Conditioning, separate pass climate control
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic brake assistance
Vehicle stability control system, traction control
AM/FM Stereo/CD player
Keyless Remote Entry, Intelligent Key Feature
Driver, passenger, side head curtain airbags
Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Tire inflation/pressure monitor
Trunk anti-trap device
2.5 liter I-4, and 3.5 liter V6 engines with 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 199 lb-ft of torque
Horsepower: 158 hp @ 5200rpm for 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 198 hp for 3.5-liter engine
6-speed manual transmission; automatic transmisson also available
Aluminum alloy body, front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 20 gallons (75 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Tires: 215/60 R16 16" Lightweight Alloy; All-Season Radials
4 door/5 seat sedan w/ liftback
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 48 city/45 hwy
range per fillup: 547 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $22,000
Full climate control, CFC-Free Air Conditioning
Push button start
Central instrument display, LCD energy monitor
AM/FM/CD 6 speakers, MP3/WMA playback
Backup camera
Smart Key System
Driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
MP3/WMA playback capability
Anti-theft system with engine immobilizer
Bluetooth wireless technology
1.5 litre DOHC 16-valve, 4 cylinder gas engine; 33 kW/44 hp @ 1,040 - 5,600rpm electric motor
Horsepower: 110 (gas-electric combined)
Conventional steel body
Multi-point EFI with Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 11.9 gallons (46 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Wheels:15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
4 door/5 seat midsize sedan
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 33 city/34 hwy
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $26,150
Curtain side and driver's knee air bags
Anti-skid traction control
Multi-adjustable front bucket seats
Tire-pressure monitor system
JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology
Keyless entry/starting system
PlasmaclusterTM ionizer cabin air purifier
“ECO” button limits HVAC energy consumption
Heated outside rear-view mirrors
GPS navigation unit (optional)
Twin cam, 2.4L inline four-cylinder 2AZ-FXE Atkinson-cycle engine, which generates 147 hp
Horsepower: 192 net (gas-electric combined)
Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (63 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Tires: Regular (not LRR) 16" All-Season Radials - 215/60
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: 4-speed CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 25/32
range per fillup: 585 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $27,930
Two-Mode Hybrid gas/electric powertrain
AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player; 6 speakers
Solar-Ray deep-tinted windows
Tire-pressure monitor system
Steering wheel integrated audio control
Remote Keyless Entry
Air bags, dual-stage frontal and side-impact
StabiliTrak stability control; rollover detection
3500 lb. maximum towing load
A/C, single-zone automatic climate control
ECOTEC 2.4L 4-cylinder, Hybrid (172 hp [128.3 kW] @ 6500 rpm, 167 lb-ft of torque
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 18 gallons / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System
Wheels: 17" w/ aluminum alloy rims; Tires: P225/60R17 all season, blackwall, LLR
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: CVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 435 - 510 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $29,305 (2WD)
Manual Air Conditioning
AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD system
Roof rack with 2 horizontal bars
Lip and rear-wheel spoilers, rear anti-roll bar
Voice-activated SYNC entertainment system
Keyless Remote Entry
Driver and front passenger airbag system
Side air curtains, rollover sensor, front side airbags
Perimeter alarm
Sirius Travel Link system with 911 Assist
2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, combined with a 65-kilowatt electric motor (optional 3.0 liter V6)
Horsepower: 170 (gas-electric combined); 230hp with 3.0 liter V6
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (60 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Power-assisted ventilated 4-wheel disc with ABS and integrated regenerative braking
Tires: P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires; All-Season Radials, Hybrid-unique 16" aluminum wheels
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (mpg): 30city/ 26hwy
range per fillup: 450 - 530 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $43,480
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Lexus 8-speaker sound system, 6-disk CD
Power tilt and slide moon roof
Transceiver to operate garage doors, lights
Part-time all-wheel drive (AWD)
Voice activated navigation system
Available rear-seat entertainment system
Lexus Memory System for mirrors, seat, wheel
In-key remote entry system
Accessory power outlet in cargo area
3.3-liter V6 engine; front and rear high-output, permanent-magnet electric-drive motors
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with regenerative function
Wheels/Tires: 18-in alloy wheels with 235/55VR18 all-season tires
Visit the Lexus website.
4 door/5 seat SUV
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 2wd 33/28 | 4wd 31/27
range per fillup: 450 - 550 miles
2009 US Base Retail Price: $34,700
Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
Roof Rack System
3.5" multi-function display w/ backup camera
AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback
Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags
3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Wheels/Tires: 19-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P245/55R19 all-season tires
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: ECVT automatic
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31 | 4wd 29/27
range per fillup: 400 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: 2wd: $29,750 4wd: $31,500
Front dual reclining bucket seats
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3 player
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Automatic climate control system
Dual foldable power external rearview mirrors
Side guard door beams; Crash sensors
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Front and rear side head curtain airbags
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 133hp @ 6000rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, regenerative braking system
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in alloy wheels with SBRP235/70TR16 BSW all-season tires
4 door/5 seat SUV (available 2x4, 4x4)
transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed manual
mileage (city/hwy): 34/31
range per fillup: 465 - 510 miles
2009 US MSRP: fwd: $28,175 4wd: $29,925
Folding 60/40 rear seats w/ removable cushions
Rear and side privacy glass
AM/FM radio, CD with 4 speakers
Remote keyless entry via key fob and door pad
Anti-Theft SecuriLock engine immobilizer
Tire pressure monitoring system
Heated door mirrors
Rollover Stability Control (RSC)
Driver/passenger airbags w/ dual-stage deployment
Side curtain airbags for first and second rows
2.5-liter I-4 Atkinson cycle engine, 153hp @ 5800rpm & electric motor 94hp @ 5000rpm
Horsepower: 153 total system horsepower
Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) - rack-and-pinion with power assist
Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 15 gallons (57 liters) / Regular Unleaded
Brakes: 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBFD)
Wheels/Tires: 16-in x 7-in aluminum alloy wheels with 235/70R16 all season T-rated tires
Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan
Toyota '2009 Next Generation Prius' - to be released late 2008 or early 2009
cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode- GM crossover sports utility "full" hybrid
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model
Electric Drive Transportation Association
Information about electric vehicles, events, emissions, environmental impacts and more.
The US Office of Transportation Technologies Information about alternative fuel, hybrids and advanced transportation technologies.
Buyers Guide for Hybrid Cars offers current price comparisons.
FuelEconomy.gov - side by side comparisons
About.com - guidance in choosing a hybrid
Research Hybrid Cars - comparison data for hybrid cars
Lexus Hybrid - For information about the Lexus RX400h SUV and GS450h petrol / electric hybrid cars.
Plug-in Cars - The new models of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) currently in development.
Fuel-Efficient Driving - You can boost the overall fuel-efficiency of your car as much as 30% by simple vehicle maintenance and attention to your style of driving.
Car Sharing - Get around town in a shared car, and save yourself the costs of car ownership.
Energy-Efficient Vehicles - the best and worst of the 2008 models.
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Last update: 4 Jan 2009
